Ellis agrees to remain as USA coach
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Jill Ellis, who coached USA to the FIFA Women's World Cup title last month, has agreed to a new multi-year contract to guide the Americans, the US Soccer Federation announced.
She masterminded USA's run to their first title since 1999 in Canada, defeating defending champion Japan 5-2 in the final in Vancouver, and appears set to guide the Americans into qualifying for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics later this year as well as the 2019 Women's World Cup in France and possibly even the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
"When we hired Jill, we all knew the great challenge that was ahead of her and the team," US Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati said. "She met that challenge with tremendous passion and knowledge to win what was perhaps the most difficult Women's World Cup tournament in history.
"As we look towards the Rio Olympics and build towards the 2019 World Cup in France, we think Jill is the ideal person to lead the next generation of the women's national team."
"To watch our players achieve their dreams and continue to inspire fans across the country and the world was one of the most satisfying experiences of my coaching career."
USA head coach Jill Ellis
Ellis, 48, has a 29-2 with nine drawn record as coach of USA, including two stints as an interim coach.
"To watch our players achieve their dreams and continue to inspire fans across the country and the world was one of the most satisfying experiences of my coaching career," Ellis said. "We had a really exciting year, and we are looking forward to more exciting times ahead."
USA have a ten-match victory tour ahead of regional Olympic qualifying early next year.
"We are going to have some turnover on the national team as we look towards the Olympics and the next Women's World Cup in France, but that's always part of the natural evolution," Ellis said.
"It will be the job of the players and staff to keep up the world-class level of effort and intensity to meet the high expectations of this program."